Step 7a - Follow-up:
College Success Tips

Why am I asked to choose a major? 

A major is a group of classes in one area or department that provides the in-depth, intensive education needed for a Certificate, Associate Degree, or Bachelor’s Degree.

If you just want to take a few classes for personal interest, you don’t have to choose a major. Some students are required to choose a major, such as Financial Aid recipients.  Work Experience students enrolled in OCCED 90 must be working in a job that relates to their major.

Students who choose a major they find interesting are far more likely to be motivated to keep coming to classes to complete their goals for a career, a certificate, or degree.  More information about graduation is in Step 7c Graduation, Associate Degrees and Certificates.
  

What problems might occur if I just enroll in General Ed?

Many new students say, “I just want to take General Education courses and then transfer," to a 4-year college or university to graduate with a Bachelor’s Degree. 

This is especially true if you want a career in Business, Engineering, Science, or the medical field.

To find out the lower division major classes to take at Solano College to transfer as a junior to a California public university, explore ASSIST and come in and see a counselor.

Also, which General Education Math class you need depends on your major, for example:

• Statistics for business or social sciences

• Engineering calculus for engineering, math, or computer science

• Short calculus for the medical professions

Please see a counselor for the exact math class you need for your major at the university you are considering.

If you want an Associate Degree or Certificate from Solano Community College, you must have a major.

See the Solano College Degrees and Certificates for majors available.

What if my major is Undeclared?

If your major is Undeclared, you can get help in choosing a major three ways:

• Take COUN 50 Career and Life Planning – A 3-unit career and self-exploration class

• Research in the Career Information Center

• Make a Counseling appointment (See Step 4) 
   

 

Where can I get definitions?  What is a unit, certificate...?

Please see the Glossary in the front of our online Catalog
 

Why should I have a catalog book?

You need a catalog to see the whole picture of courses offered, the courses needed to complete each major, and much other information about Solano Community College.
 

Where can I get a catalog book?  

The catalog is available for purchase for $3.00 at:

• The Bookstore cash register

• The Office of Admissions and Records 

The Online Catalog is free.

Isn't the catalog mailed out free to County residents?

No, that’s the Schedule of Classes.

• It lists the classes offered a particular semester.

• Not all classes are offered each semester. 

• It has the days and times classes are offered that semester.

• It has only brief descriptions of each class.
   

 

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